They yearned to see a stately red-brick edifice, with all the latest improvements, erected at the expense of the rate-payers, but as yet they yearned in vain.

The school was supported by voluntary contributions, and thanks to Beatrice's energy and good teaching, the dreaded Board, with its fads and extravagance, had not yet clutched it.
Beatrice had returned to her duties that afternoon, for a night's rest brought back its vigour to her strong young frame.

She had been greeted with enthusiasm by the children, who loved her, as well they might, for she was very gentle and sweet with them, though few dared to disobey her.

Besides, her beauty impressed them, though they did not know it.
Beauty of a certain sort has perhaps more effect on children than on any other class, heedless and selfish as they often seem to be.

They feel its power; it is an outward expression of the thoughts and dreams that bud in their unknowing hearts, and is somehow mixed up with their ideas of God and Heaven.